Man arrested after police seize 'huge' drug stash in South Shields raid

Officers executed a warrant at an address in Spohr Terrace yesterday, Wednesday, July 8, acting on a tip off from the local community about criminal activity.

Police searched the entire house and found what they describe as a ‘huge’ haul of drugs, including Pregablin and Methadone, as well as various other prescription tablets that had been stashed in rooms throughout the building.

Suspecting that the drugs had been stockpiled in order to sell on, they then arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance with the intent to supply.

He was taken into custody for questioning and has since been released under investigation.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Karl Peterson, who oversaw the raid, has thanked members of the local community for their support and vowed work would continue over the coming weeks to tackle the problems caused by drug misuse and supply.

“In our role, unfortunately we often see the devastating effects that drug misuse can have for some of the most vulnerable members of our society, their families and the community as a whole,” Sgt Peterson said.

“That’s why we are dedicated to taking proactive action in our neighbourhoods to detect and disrupt this type of criminal activity.

“That work will continue to happen under the banner of Operation Sentinel, and we make no apology for our tough stance on illicit substances. Criminal gangs often use the money earned through selling drugs of this kind in order to fund other types of criminality.

“I would like to thank the community for flagging their concerns to us – that allowed us to execute this warrant and ultimately take these drugs off our streets.”

Anyone who suspects criminality or drug supply in their area should call police on 101 or get in touch via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website or through independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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